Benin: The 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin, has distributed food items, clothing, and cash to widows of fallen officers as part of activities marking the Christmas celebration. The gesture was carried out during the Commander’s Christmas Luncheon, aimed at supporting families of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, alongside the Chief Medical Director of the Military Hospital, Benin, Brig.-Gen. Paulina Aburime, presented the items to 50 widows and six Magajiya, who are leaders of soldiers’ wives. Speaking at the event, Balogun emphasized that the initiative aligned with the philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, which prioritizes the welfare of soldiers and their families. He highlighted that the luncheon was a reminder to widows of the sacrifices made by their late husbands in the defense of the nation.
Balogun stated, “While others are celebrating and making merry, we recognize that some of us here paid the supreme price through their husbands. Though they are no longer with us, the Army is here with you.” He explained that the command considered it important to celebrate with the widows and their children and to support them materially, demonstrating that the Army and the nation still value their sacrifice.
Brig.-Gen. Paulina Aburime also spoke at the event, commending the brigade commander for the luncheon and empowerment of the widows. She urged officers, soldiers, and their families to continue to live in unity and love, noting that the Nigerian Army recognizes and celebrates both Christian and Muslim festivals together.
Some of the widows, including Mrs. Umar Abdulrashid-Eleshi and Mrs. Queen Obazuwa, expressed appreciation to the commander for the support. Obazuwa appealed for sustained assistance, noting that the widows now depended on the Army for continued support following the loss of their husbands. “We are looking up to the Army. Please continue to help us and keep the widows in mind. We thank God for his life and say a very big thank you,” she said.